Hotpoint Dishwasher Problem. Error 8

Gautama

My Hotpoint LFT228A integrated dishwasher is no longer working properly. When I open the door the cycle hasn't finished in the normal time, the dishes are not clean and the inside is warm but not hot and steaming like it usually would.
I've tried a few different cycles and it behaves like this with them all, though once when I opened it there were blinking lights and the display flashing '8'.
Google searches suggest a problem with the thermistor or the heating element. Further googling suggests a complicated fix and/or €125+ service engineer visit.
I was wondering if any members have had the issue?
BTW, the house was built in 2007 and we moved in last year. I'm guessing the washer is seven or eight years old.

The Red Ace

put it on again and make note of the position of the two spray arms, after a few minutes washing open it again and see if the arms have changed position, assuming the spray arms are not clogged they should have rotated if not I would think the circulating pump has gone faulty this would also account for the heat issue as the water is circulated through the heater

Gautama

I put it on a few different cycles and on the fourth time of asking it came good!
I assume there was something dislodged that had been causing the problem. It's been running without any problem for a week now.

Thanks.